CNG 88, Lot: 2005. Estimate $750. Sold for $550. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

ITALY, Papale (Stato pontificio). Alexander VII (Fabio Chigi). 1655-1667. Cast Æ Medal (97mm, 153.22 g, 12h). Androcles and the Lion. By G. F. Travani. Dated 1659 in Roman numerals. (star) ALEXANDER · VII · P · M · PIVS · IVST · OPT · SENEN · PATR · GENTE · CHISIVS · MDCLIX, bust left, wearing camauro, mozzetta, and pallium / MVNIFICO · PRINCIPI · DOMINICVS · IACOBATIVS/ET · FERA · MEMOR [·] BENEFICII (Domenico Jacobacci to the generous prince; the ferocious beast itself is grateful for the blessing), Androcles and the Lion: Androcles standing right within the Circus Maximus, holding sword and shield, taming lion crouching to right. Mazio -; Lincoln 1192-3; Miselli 567. Good VF, traces of gilding, pierced for suspension.

Ex Michael Hall Collection (Part II, Baldwin’s 66, 29 June 2010), lot 1117.

First described in the Noctes Atticae of Aulus Gellius (5.14), Androcles was a slave in the Roman Empire during the first century AD who sought shelter in a cave inhabited by a wounded lion. After removing a thorn from the ailing lion's foot, the lion recovered and became tame toward Androcles. Years later, when he returned to civilization, Androcles was captured and imprisoned as a fugitive slave and sent to the Circus Maximus to be publicly devoured by wild animals. The animal which Androcles encountered, however, was his befriended lion and, upon recognizing him, the lion crouched down and spared him. As a result, Androcles was pardoned and freed along with his lion. The tale survived throughout antiquity, with minor details being changed, but the overall message of the tale remained.